Flu fear: Two thirds of Britons fear catching killer flu strains

FEAR: 46% of 25-34 year-olds worry the NHS would not be able to treat them if they got sick

Three different strains – Aussie, French and Japanese – have left thousands unwell and put some in hospital.

But 58% of us think there should be more measures put in place to control the infection, a poll found.

And 35% are worried that the NHS would struggle to treat them if they became dangerously ill with one of the viruses.

Anxiety about treatment was highest among 25-34-year-olds, with 46% worried the NHS would not be able to treat them if they got sick.

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WORK: 45% of employees head into the office even when they are ill

“We need a hygiene standard in place to assist with infection control”

Steve Levy

But despite the widespread fears, more than half of parents admit sending children to school when they think they might have a contagious illness, the survey for Sterillo found.

And more than 45% of employees head into the office when they are ill.

Even more worryingly, many Brits admit not bothering to wash their hands after going to the loo.

The hygiene specialists’ survey shows 59% do not bother, and almost half believe they are too busy.

Spokesman Steve Levy said: “Effective hand-washing can’t be achieved in an unclean environment. Even if the public did always use these facilities to wash their hands they would likely still be contaminated.

“This is why we are seeing outbreaks with viruses like flu and, even worse, the Aussie flu. We need a hygiene standard in place to assist with infection control.”

Meanwhile, private GPs have been slammed for cashing in on fears by charging up to £45 for a vaccine that costs just £8.

Flu-ed up: What are flu symptoms and how do you beat the bug?

You can often treat the flu without seeing your GP and should begin to feel better in about a week

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You can often treat the flu without seeing your GP

Some money-hungry clinics are even charging £75 for a children’s nasal immunisation spray that costs the NHS just £18.